Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU
- Prerequisite
- MUS 51, MUS 52
- Unit(s)
- 3.00
- Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
- Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 85.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: This is a hands-on, project-based course in which students will apply learned methods and skills to Lab practice sessions and studio recording sessions. Students will set up and record using microphone technique, signal flow, gain staging and DAW recording, to create professional quality recordings. Students will learn proper microphone technique and post-production mixing techniques. The course will also cover how to copyright and publish music.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic copyright procedures and publishing methods.
- Demonstrate competency in computer recording processes in a studio setting.
- Analyze the various hardware and connections in a recording setup.
- Identify basic frequencies in audio.
- Demonstrate applied skilles in gain staging in analog and digital realms.
- Utilize digital audio converters and interfaces in an audio recording.
- Demonstrate the ability to use basic studio equipment in a recording project.
- Demonstrate an understanding of signal processing units like compressers, eq, and effects.
- Apply studio techniques and methods to a full studio recording project with a student group.
- Demonstrate proper studio etiquette and encourage others to excel.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
Analyze computer recording techniques in a recording or project studio setting. | 4.00 |
Understanding the basic hardware and gear in a recording studio and project studio. | 2.00 |
How to use the practice tools for frequency ear training, and introductory listening exercise. | 2.00 |
Signal flow intermediate assignments overview. | 2.00 |
Preamp features and functions lecture. | 2.00 |
How to publish your music to streaming services, download sites, and build a simple website portfolio. | 1.00 |
Introduction to course and a brief history of recording. | 2.00 |
Intermediate compression and dynamic processing techniques. | 1.00 |
Recording projects overview and preperation. | 1.00 |
Signal flow concepts and applications in analog and digital recording. | 4.00 |
Using Preamps in analog and hybrid recording studios. | 3.00 |
Analog recording console features. | 4.00 |
Using analog compressors in recording and mixing. | 4.00 |
Effects processing with reverb, delay and other spatial enhancers. | 2.00 |
| Total Hours: | 34.00 |
Lab
| Topics | Lab Hrs |
|---|---|
Band/Artist recording projects. Students will apply all studio methods learned to studio recordings. Students will set up band gear and microphones. Students will engineer the recording of original or cover songs by local/regional bands and artists. Students will work in a group to mix, master and export final version of recording. Students will gain experience in managing recording sessions, producing bands, and workflow/time management methods. | 21.00 |
Signal flow practice on the analog console and/or in the DAW. | 5.00 |
Intermediate microphone placement techniques. | 8.00 |
Signal flow patching; insert dynamics processing and effects. | 4.00 |
Setting up the headphone mix. | 4.00 |
Signal flow practice: overdubbing. Focus on analog and DAW routing of signals and DAW recording tools and methods. | 6.00 |
Manage files and deliver final projects to the band, artist, or instructor. | 1.00 |
Student song project. Students record a song on thier own at home, or in a group in the studio. | 2.00 |
| Total Hours: | 51.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Collaborative Group Work
- Demonstrations
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Instructor Demonstrations
- Lecture
- Multimedia Presentations
Methods of Evaluation
- Exams/Tests
- Projects
- Class participation
- Practical Evaluations
- Group Participation
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read the textbook chapter on proper drum microphone placement and be prepared to demonstrate in the studio.
- Review the lecture on project studio setup and create a presentation of your dream setup.
Writing Assignments
- Create a presentation on a leading producer including songs and albums they have worked on, philosophy of production and tools/methods of production used. Present your PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation to the class. This should include the 5 topics outlined in the assignment directions.
- Write a 500 word essay on the history of the Ribbon microphone, and include descriptions of historical microphones, their features and uses. Submit the essay to the discussion board.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Read online journals about recording techniques, and create a Google Slides presentation on an interesting and unique technique.
- Complete band recording projects in the recording studio with a group of students.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Owsinski, B. (2023). The Recording Engineers Handbook. Bobby Owsinski Media Group, 5th. 978-1946837189.
Minimum Qualifications
Commercial Music
Music (Masters Required)